Indicator means for bowling pin setting machines



Jan. 11, 1944. M PATTERSON ETAL 2,338,733

INDICATOR MEANS FOR BOWLING .PIN SETTING MACHINES Filed Oct. 3, 1940 5 Sheets- Sheet l m -QL INVENTORS MOREHEAD PATTERSON ANDRUPERT .R NDELL Jan. ll, 1944. 2,338,733

INDICATOR MEANS EOE BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINES M. PATTERSON ET A1.

SISheetS-Sheet 2 Filed Oct. 3, 1940 lilil S R m N E V m E. RUNUELL MOREHEAD PATTERSON Jan. l1, 194,4.l M. PATTERSON r-:TAL

INDICATOR MEANS FOR BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINES Filed Oct. 3, 1940 5 Sheets-Sheet 3 www wm INVENTORS MOREHEAD PATTERSON AN ATTO RUPERT E RUNDELL' RNEY "Jam 11, l944 M. PATTERSON l-:TAL 2,338,733v

INDICATOR MEANS FOR BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINES Filed oct. s, 1940 5 sheets-sheet 4` INVENTORS MOREHEAD PATTERSON AND RUPERT E. RUNDELL ATTORNEY SYM Jan 11, 1944' M. PATTERSON x-:T AL 2,338,733

INDICATOR MEANS FOR BOWLING PIN SETTING MACHINES Filed oct. 3, 1940 I 5 sheets-sheet 5 lNvENToRs MOREHEAD PATTERSON T AT ORNEY Patented Jui. i1; 19444 11151111511)l l STATE SETTING MACHINES Morehead Patterson, New York, and Rupert E. Rondell, Rockville Centre, N. Y., asslgnors tol American Machine and Foundry Company,' a corporation of New Jersey Application october s; 1940,- serial N0. 3'59,51s

' 45 Claims.

This invention relates to automatic bowling pin setting machines and more particularly to mechanism for` indicating the veie'ct ofyeach ball thrown in playing the game'.v Generally in bowling each player is allotted one or more balls for each frame of the game, in whicheach frame consists of pins arranged in any desired order on the bed ofen alley, such for. instancefas ten pins positioned 'in triangular formationwith the apex of the triangle facing the player. vAfter the ilrst ball is thrown, if all the pins are knocked down the result is quite obvious to the player,

who knows that he has made what is commonly called av strike.' If, however,'- less..than Aten pins are Iknocked down it is vs'onieadvantage to absence of pins standing on a bowling alley be the player to knowwhich pins remain standing and their arrangementen the alley in order that he may determine thebestpossible way to-throw his next ball. Y Iig-when -he throws the second' ball al1 th'e pins are knocked down la. "spare results. If, however, one or more pins remain standing, it is still to his-advantage to know which pins remain standing in order that he may keep proper score..

It is the main object of my invention, therefore, to provide mechanism which informs-the player automatically the effects -of the throwing after lthe throwing of'each ball, and electrically controlled means associated therewith for operating=a vscore board onannunciator to indicate vvisibly the effect of each ball thrown.

' Our invention also consists in the provision of pin handling mechanism carrying setting'and resetting devices, together with'electricalv connections associated with eachv of Isaid resetting devices for selectivelyy operatingl an annunciator .to indicate visibly the .effect of each ball thrown,

and to `diierentiat'e. autmatically between strikes spares and less thanl ten pins knocked down for each ball thrown.-

Our invention further contemplates the provision of novel means in the form of relatively movable switches for completing circuits throughv .our pin resetting devices. for operating the may chinein ,a proper manner, and selectively indicating the pin fall per eachl ball thrown.

. It is an` added object of our invention to prol vide 'an annuciator or score' .board having thereon visible signals, such as lights, having diam- 4 eters substantially the same as'the maximum diameter of a bowling pin, so that after `the -throwing of a b'all; if-pins remainstanding, the bowler of every ball and advises whether a .strike or a spare" has `been made, or how many. r pins remain standing after the throwing ofeach ball, if neither a strike nor spare has been made.

According to my invention, I have furnished a pin setter which consists .of devices 'for'spotting and respotting pins on a bowling alley hav ing associated 'therewith meanswhich* engage anystanding pins after the throwing ofthe rst ball to signal which pins remain standing prior to lifting them from the alley for sweeping,and

which' also is 'eiective to indicate the' .presence and position of any standingA pins aiter'the' throwing vof a second ball although if a twoy ball per frame game is being played, standing pins are not lifted after the throwing ofthe second ball.

'It' is a further object of I my invention to provide mechanism which coacts with the .pin setting table so that'whenever a ball is thrown and the table is lowered after the throwing of the first number and position of pins`standing' is made apparent to-'the player by means of a suitable visible signal arranged to c orrespond with'the position oi' pins on the alley.

It is la lfurther object of our. lnventionvto provide .mechanism for testing'for the presence or may beapprised ,with regardsto. relative pin size and spacing of .the relative positions the remaining standingpins occupy on the alley bed, whereupon he may lthrow the next ball withr more l.accuracy because of his knowledge of the pin position'sand consequently better his score.

- ballfor after the throwing'ofa second ball,"the

The invention also consists' in the provision of a suitable. signal board provided with lights des-l ignating the position 'of each pin and so arranged that if all the pins' are knocked down. on the throwing of the rst ball the word strike" ap'- y .pears to the player and if all the lpins are knocked downon the second ball the word "spare" appears.

vvTheinvention also contemplates the provision of means for-'showing which pins areF knocked down or remain standing after the 'throwing of each ball regardless o f the. fact thatneither a fstrike nor a spare" is made as a result of rollingthe ball.

Our invention -further consists in mechanism for apprlsing the bowler of the presence or ab.-

sence of standing pins on an alley even though pins have been. movedv `oir-spot as la result of `4throwing a ball.

An added object of the invention is to provide a series of pinl resetting units which are movable relative to their supporta and to pins standing -on a lbowling alley aftera vball vhas been thrown, in order to position the units by contact with standing pins for signalling which pins remain standing even Ithough a pin has been moved off-spot on the alley by action of the ball.

With these and other objects not specifically mentioned in view, the invention consists in certain 'combinations and constructions which will be hereinafter fully described, and then set forth in the claims hereunto appended.

In the accompanying drawings which form a part of this specification, and wherein the several reference characters designate the same or like elements:

Figure 1 is a partial side elevation, partly in section, of a bowling pin setting machine;

Figure 2 is a front elevation of Figure 1; Figure 3 is a plan view of a suitable pin setter tableshowing the arrangement of spotters and respotters; l

-Figure 4 is a sectional elevation on line 4--4 of Figure 3;

Figure 5 is a sectional elevation on line 5--5 vof Figure 3`;

' on the alley;

Figure is a sectional view similar to Figure 9 except that in this case a pin standing on the alley has moved the respotter unit into contact with the top plate of the table:

Figure 11 is a sectional view similar to Figures 9 and 10, but showing the respotting mechanism in a neutral position;

Figure 12 is a plan view of the top of Figure 10; Figure 13 is a sectional view on line I3-I3 of Figure 14 is a schematic pian view showing the wiring leading from the respotters in the pin set- 4 ter table to the score board (not shown).

Figure 15 isa front view of Figure 14;

Figure 16 is a sectional view on line I9IB of Figure 14;

Figure 17 is a fragmentary detail view of a part of the structure of Figure 16, drawn to a larger scale;l

Figure 18 is a detail plan view of Figure 17;'

Figure 19 is a general wiring diagram'showing the various control devices. l

Referring. to the drawings, in Figures 1 and 2 there is shown a preferred form of our invention associated with ainiautomatic pinsetting machine, which may have. .as that shown i'n co-pendin application, Serial No, 339,344 filed June 7, 1940 y Peter M. Nejedly, whereiny are provided side frame uprights Ia, Ib, 2a and 2b connected by cross frame members 3 and '4 and longitudinal members 23.' Supported on cross frame 4 is a. bracket lin which one end of a shaft 6 is journalled; the other end is mounted in a bearing in side frame Ib (Figures 1 and 2) and carried lby the shaft is a cam 1. Shaft 3 is rotated by means of shaft 49 through sprocket 9 fastened toshaft 49 by means of a sprocket chain I0 tracking sprocket II journalled on shaft Y e same geaieralg constructionv I2, Through sprocket I3, lwhich is attached to sprocket lII and also journalled on shaft I2, the drive is transferred by sprocket chain I4 to sprocket I! mounted upon shaft 9 to rotate cam 1. Bowling pins, which are to be set upon the alley bed, are transferred from a magazine M by means o1' mechanism which may take the form of that shown in co-pending application. Serial No. 260,901 filed by Rupert E. Rundell on March 10, 1939. A set of pins is'placed in predetermined arrangement in the table T, which is raised, lowered and inverted relative to the alley 'bed. In order to accomplish the desired movement of the table T, a gear lsegment I8, loosely mounted on shaft I2 and oscillated by means of a cam follower I1 mounted on the segment and engaging cam 1 causes the segment to rotate pinion kI3 fixed to shaft I9 supported inarm 20 of bracket 5. Also fixed to shaft I9 is a sprocket 2i about which is trained sprocket chain 22 tracking a sprocket 23 fixed to shaft 24 mounted in brackf ets 25 supported by the side frames 2a and 2b of the machine.

Mounted on shaft 24 is a pulley 26 about which is trained cable 21 suitably connected at 28 to slide memberl 31, vertically slidable in guides 3 on side frame member 2a and provided at its lower end with abracket 38 anda clamp n ut 33a which secures shaft 39 of table T in the slide bracket 38 for vertical movement. Also assisting in the vertical movement of the table T is a cable A29 which is trained over pulley 30 supported by shaft 3I Journalled in bracket 32 mounted on cross frame 3. Cable 29 extends over a similar pulley 35 mounted on shaft 33 supported by bracket 34 mounted on frame member 4. A counterweight 36 acts to balance the table. While I have only described the mountings of single cables, it will be apparent from Figure 2 that these cables may be Aprovided on both sides of the machine. I

As shown in Figures 1 to 5, inclusive, the table T comprises a plurality-of pin setter elements S mounted on one-side andl a plurality of respotting units U mounted on the other side. 'I'he arrange- A ment of the setters S and respotting units U conforms to the usual playing positions of pins on the alley bed, but may be varied in any other manner, if desired. The pin handling mechanism and setting devices may be of the same general construction as that shown in the co-pending Nejedly applicationuabove referred to.

According to thel referred to Rundell application and the disclosure therein, pins P, which are to be transferred and set upon the bed of a bowling alley, are ffed from the. pit of the alley' by l "desired number ath a predetermined time by means of grippers` 4I which are mounted upon-a vertically and horizontally movable conveyor device'designated 42 which consists of a plurality of longitudinal bars 43 secured to transverse supports 44. On barsv `43 are slidably mounted carriages 4l which in the preferred embodiment are provided with independent gripping fingers 4I which engage and grip the required number of upfended pins in magazine M for transfer to pinsetter S (Figure 1).

The raising and lowering of the table T and operation of the pin transfer mechanism 42 is accomplished by means of a motor 41 mounted connected to each lof 89a which surround it is possible to cr`e ate the desired fluid pressure low shaft therefrom through a upon frames la, Ib of themachine at 48. A stud shaft 49 is driven by means of the sprocket from the motor shaft Il through a sprocket 52 mounted thereon and a chain 52a. The drive is transferred from shaft 49 to shaft 8 by means of sprocket chain I9 inthe manner described in said Ne'jedly application. In like manner, shaft 53on which is mounted cam A|54, which causes tion is engaged by cam follower 58 on lever 59,

be either in pin receiving pothe transfer 42 will sition over the magazine M or in pin deliveringposition over setters S. 'Lever 99 is provided with an arm 99 to which is /nected at 62 tolever 89 provided with an arm 84 pivotally connected to bar 44 forming a cross member ofthe frame of transfer 42.

The carriages 45 are moved longitudinally along bars 43 by means of pinions (not shown) mounted on also forms'a part of lever 59 mounted on shaft 69. On shaft 69 .is provided a sprocket 60 over which tracks a sprocket chain 1| engaging the sprocket 12 on'shaft 61 by means of a pinion (not shown) on shaft 89 engaging a suitable .driving means; such as a gear segment (not shown) of the type described and disclosed in the above referred to co-pending Nejedly application. In this manner the bowling pins are pers 4|, moved clear thereof, transferred longitudinally and located in proper arrangement in pin setters S where-they are held' while the carriages 4.5 with the grippers 4I move back to obtain a new set of pins.

After the carriages 45 have delivered the pins from the magazine to the settersS,` the pins, gripped firmly therein by suitable means, such as mechanical gf'ppers or holders operated by fluid pressure,such as suction,.provided in the table -froma suitable source of supply through a conduit 13 and valve referred to Nejedly application, are transferred tothe alley A. Conduit 14 connects valve D through a flexible conduit 16 to a hollow plug`18 shaft 69 journalled in arm 88 which.

lifted from spirals 4|) by grip- D; as shown in the above specific part of our invention,

Table or elevator T may consist of a frame? provided with 'a central barrel or hub 92 mounted upon sleeves to. stationary shaft 99 in a manner-similar to that described and shown in the coi-pending Nejedly application above referred to. Since the turning or indexing mechanism vforms no further descripv tion is deemed unnecessary. Barrel 92 is held in attached a-link 6I conf-y connecting them to the system of pipes'81, while' Referring to Figures the several \wardly from proper position upon shaft 39 against lateral movement thereon by means o'fa collar 93 posi- L tioned about shaft 98 and locked in adjusted relationship thereto by means-of a set screw 94. 3, 4, 5 and 6, it will be seen that frame Fsupports the several setters S in usual substantially triangular pin formation, a1- though any other desired .arrangement may be used. Setters S are rigidly mounted upon pipes 81 which are secured to the frame 'liv by means of clamps 95 fastened to frame F.

` Pin setters S corresponding to bowling pins, numbers I, (I), 5, (V), 1, (VII) and I0, (X), in

the form shown, are provided with elbows 81a the remaining setters are mounted upon the pipes 81 byA means of T units 81h. Attention is called to Figures 4 and 5 which illustrateo this method of mounting the setters S. Inasmuch as suction is inducted duit 85, it will be uniformly distributed through pin setters as desired. The table T also comprises an upper plate .96 and a lower plate 9 8 provided with a number of openings lill therein corresponding to the number of pin These two plates are connected by means of spacers 9 8 which by means of suitable nuts 99 hold them rigidly separated one respotting units.

from another. frame F by Upper plate 96 is secured to means of brace |00 extending downthe frame F. Slidably mounted upon lower plate 91 and substantially concentric t with each of the openings ||l| therein, are the nxed in houow shaft. as (Figure 6) so that sucand maintain it regardless ofthe rotation of table T.

In order to operate the resetting or respottingmembers U, there is provided a'flexibie conduit 11 which connects vwith conduit 15. Flexible conduit 12| connects t a hollow plug member 19 fast in shaft 99, and suction is inducted intoA the holcircumferential passage 88 similar to 83 into the bore of plug 89 about` which is seated flexible conduit 99 which' through ducts 9|. suppliesthe several respotting units U with fluid pressure whenever pins are to be lifted and respotted.

-bowling pin respotting units U, which are sub.- V

stantially the same as those shown and described in the above referred to application. lIn'order to prevent excessive lateral movement of the respotters U on their support, circular depending flanges |02 are-mounted on the under surface of plate 96. Due to the shiftable -or floating 'mounting of the respotters U on table T, it is always possible to register the presenceof a pin,

whether it be on or off-spot. The electrical connections necessary for this purpose .are described 5 hereinafter. In order to control the operation of the bowling pin setters, insofar as the application of suction is concerned, when it is desired to lift pins from the alley for respotting, brackets |99 are employed, which support suction conduits |04 to which suction is conducted by means of pipe 8|, described previously.'

Figures 9 to 13, inclusive, showthe detail construction of the resetter units U which have been'v The resetter units are means-for conducting sucmentioned hereinabove, each `provided with tion, automatically registering the presence or absence of standing pins and, therefore, are responsible for the mov'er'nent of pins to the setters 'S. Since all of thelpin resetter units arefL the same, only one will be describedin detail. In the preferred form, eachresetter erating therewith a tubular bracket 200 ilxedly mounted upon plate 99 in centered relation .with reference to an opening 96a therein, and in proper location with' 83a for rotation about and relativeinto the system 81 by means of con-v unit has cooprespect to the required position of the pins as setand reset upon the alley,

,ssarss.

sagement with the heads of standing pins, as indicated in dot-dash lines in Figure-10, th'ese pinswill be sealed to the table and lifted of! the .al-

l ley floor when the table rises.

tion distributing slot 204 in the freeend thereofso that suction at all times may be distribut-l ed to the `pin distributor unit. Suction is conducted from bore 203 through a bore 205 in each Aresetter unit which communicates with the space above the center of a pin. Coiled about the valve 202 is a spring 200 which bears against the pisy ton and normally vtends to urge it upward as'y shown in Figures 9, 10 and 11. A suction open` ing 201 is formed in the bore in order to make it possible for suction to be fed from conduit through the bores 203 and 200 for gripping pins. In lFigure the suction opening 201 is shown aligned with conduit 0I so that suction is beingv conducted causing the respotter'to grip a pin. Projecting from the upper face of piston 20|` is a rod 209 about which is coiled a spring 208 bearl playing positions, there are also ing against the upper face of the piston and tending to push it downwardly against the pressure of spring 206. Rod 200 extends upwardly through opening 2 l0 in insulating plug 2| I which is secured in the open end of bracket 200.

Mounted on rod 209 Vare insulating plugs 2|3 and 2|2 between which is located a conductor disk 2|4 held thereon by meanslof a screw 2lb. Disk 2|4 is adapted to engage spring contacts`2|8 mounted 180 apart on insulating plug 2|| by means of bolts 2|8 secured to contacts 2|1a of wires 2|1 by means of nuts 2|'9. As shown in Figures 11 and 12, placed substantially 90 apart from contacts 2 I0, are spring contacts 220 which are fixed to insulating plugs 2|| by means -of bolts 22|v and nuts 222 which also secure contacts 222a of line 223. It will be noted that in Figure 10, disk 2|4 is Yshown as closing a circuit through spring contacts 2|0, while in Figure 11 the disk is 'shown in neutral or circuit open" position. However, in Figure 9, the disk is shown closing a circuit through contacts 220 and wires 223. A cover 200a may be provided for protection against dust and injury to the switch units. 'I'he make-up of the head of the respotter units U may be similar to that described in the co pending application, Serial No. 316,468, filed January 31, 1940 by Gottfried J. Schmidt. In this construction the head of a pin left standing, whether it be on or olf-spot on the alley, enters they respotter unit U, causes it to be properly located, is sealed against a gasket G'when the table T is lowered, and as the pin pushes the respotter unit up against the underside of VtopA plate 96 it establishes a complete seal between the head of the pin and the pin setter table so that as the table rises, with suction turned on, .the pin is lifted oi'f the alley floor, permiting the fallen pins to be swept oil the alley after which the .table is lowered and, as the suction Vis turned oil', the pin is released and deposited on the spot from which it was lifted, whereupon th'e tablel rises in the manner described in the co-pending Nejedly application above mentioned.

A suitable signal or registering device is provided for informing a bowler of the condition of an alley withrespect to pins standing thereon after each ball has been thrown. 'I'his device may consist of a board SB (Figure 19), which in the form disclosed may have ten lamps spaced to represent the pins on the alley.v If the usual ten pin game is being played, the lamps willl be positioned to correspond with' the usual triangular formation on the alley. In addition to the lamps,- which represent the ten pins. and their provided automatically illuminated signs bearing the designations strike and spare, one of .which will be operated if and when one of the other condition results from the ilrst or second ball thrown.

'I'he several lights are operated on the score or. signal board through electric circuits leadingl from switches in each respotter unit to its respective lamp on the board SB, as will be set forth' in detail hereinafter.I

Referring to Figures 14 to 18, inclusive, it will be seen that mounted on frame F by means of bolts 220 are brackets 220 to` which is fastened, 5y

means of bolts 221, a switch board 234. 'I'his board may be made of any suitable insulating material, such as Bakelite or thel like, or other .material commonly used for this purpose, and is formed in the general shape of a semi-circle with the several switches 223, one being provided for each resetter, mounted on board 220 by means of bolts and nuts m and zal to which are fasv tened wires 2|1 connected in parallel to switches 2|! mounted on plugs 2|3 (Figure 10) of the resetter units, as described hereinabove.

In Figure 9, suction 'from the line 9| has pulled v .contacts 2li for eachl 'Wires 2 I 1 consti As shown inFigure 17. switches 229 are preferably formed of ilat springV material and are mounted for engagement with contacts 232 secured 'by nuts 233 to plate 234. Thus the current will` ..be transferred -through switches 220 from .board 234, which 'rotates with table T, to

board 223. mounted on bracket l238 secured'to shaft 3l; which does not rotatebut travels vertically with the table T asl it is raised .and lowered. The switches 220 and 240 may be arranged in concentric semi-circles and the contacts 232 and 24| likewisearranged in a complementary semicircular relationship so that 4whenever plate 234 is rotated relative to plate 228, switches 220 and 240v will make or break circuits through the wires 2| 1 and 223 repeatedly. Wires 2|1 are-connected to `contacts 232 by means of nuts 233 and wires 223 are connected ,to contacts 24| (as shown inaugure is).

.As shown in Figures 9, 10 and 12, there are two which disk 2| 4 makes a circu t\, when standing pins push their respotters U u ward as the table T Idescends (as slibwn'in Figure 10). There are also two contacts 220 for wires 223 which also will' be closed by'disk 2|4 (as shown in Figure 9) when no pins are left standing on the alley "and the table descends with suction turned on. as described in the reerred to Nejedly application. l utc parallel circuits leading fromeach respotter unit to its respective lamp on I scoreboard SB and the wires 223 comprise a se ries circuit passing through all the respotter units and lead to a lamp on the scoreboard which illuminates a sign reading strike when all pins are down. The .operation oi' the two circuits will setot wires 2|1 through assavssbe hereinafter fully described in connection with the wiring diagram shown in Figure 19.

As described previously, each resetter unit is 4also provided with spring switch members 223 which are connected to wires 223 ofthe strike control circuit. These switches are connected in series through all the pin resetters and two leads thereof arev connected by means of nuts 242 in standing pins thereon. Consequently, when the table T is indexed and lowered towards the alley,

pins, as the table 1' descends, any standing pin will "enter its respective respotter unit U and as the head of the pin enters the head of the respotter, and the table T settles in its iinal downward movement, the head of the pin P will lift the respotter away from its position on the bottom and up against the underside of the top plate 96 (as shown in Figure 10). When in this position it has automatically admitted the suction element and as gasket 224 seals the-top of the respotter/against theplate 93 and the-head of the'cpin P is sealed in the head of the respotter, the suction will hold the respotter and the pin in a rm grip while the tableT is raised in order to permit the alley to be swept'clear of fallen pins. With the respotter and the pin in circuits will be made througf-.vwires 223 and 2|1 because then switches 229 engage contacts 232 and switches 240 engage contacts 24|. It will be seen, therefore, that as the table is moved up. wardly and indexed another .180", the several c switches will be opened and the several circuits will be broken.

The leads 2|1 which are attached to plate 223 extend to plate 243 mounted on bracket 233.

Plate 243 is made of non-conducting material having several contacts 244 which are engaged by spring switches 245 securedA to plate 246 by means of bolts 241 and nuts 243. Leads 223 are similarly secured to plate 243. Plate 243 is mounted on a bracket 249 fix/ed to frame 2b. In

this manner, 'despite thel fact that carriageV 31 mounts the shaft 39 for vertical movement-.nevertheless the electric circuits can be made and maintained whenever` switch 245 contacts 244`in lowered position of the'pin setter table T.

In Figure 19 is shown a wiring diagram suitable for operating the electrical control required for this invention. On the annunciator or scoreboard SB are shown ten lamps (1 to 10, inclusive) arranged in a. triangular formation simi- I .operate as follows:

lar to the order in which the pins are spotted on the alley. There are also two additional lamps, one to illuminate. a sign reading strike and the other to illuminate a sign reading spare. Circuit A furnishes current for a starting solenoid, circuit B is a lamp circuit, and circuit C furnishes current for operating the several relays. When the ball B lands in the pit (Figure 1) it closes a switch 25| lin a circuit 252, energizing a relay 253 which causes 'a switch 254 thus energizing solenoid 253 which throws a clutch 251 on` shaft. into engagement with sprocket 52. As the motor 41 has been started before the iirst ball was delivered, sprocket 32 has been running idly until clutch 251 was thrown into engagement and the drive of the several operating mechanisms will now proceed through shaft 49. y

The pin setter table T descends and in case no pins are left standing the respotter units` U. will remain resting on the bottom plate 91 and as the suction is turned on the piston 20| will be pulleddown (as shown in Figure 9) causing switch 223 to close circuit 223. As all the .ten respotter units will act'similarly, there being no pins left standing, the-current C will pass in circuit 223 through closed switch 253, to relay 259, closing switch 263 in circuit 23|, energizing relay `232 Whichcloses switch 233 in circuit 264. Circuit 234 passes through lamp 265 which illuminates sign reading strike.

Should the ilrst bau' :au to knock down 11 ienthe position just described, in addition to having admitted suction, it has also caused the switch- 2|3 lto close circuit 2|1 for this particular pin.

Assuming, for example, that only one pin, say number 9., was left standing, the' .circuits leading to the lamp representing pin number 3 on the scoreboard would operate as follows:

As pin number 3 (Figure 19) closes switch 2|3 in circuit 2|1the circuit C passes through wire 2|1 and switch 2|3 to relay 253 which .closes switch 231 in circuit 233 which leads to lamp number 9 on the score board SB. This lamp will light up indicating that pin number 9 was left standing on the alley. Similarly any pins left standing on the alley would cause their respec tive lamps on the scoreboard to be lighted and their grouping on the alley would be visualized on the board.

Should the bowler succeed in knocking down the remaining pin, or pins, with his second ball, the circuits leading to the 4score board would As the pin setter table descends and the respotters fail to contact any standing pins, the piston 23| will assume a neutral position (as shown in Figure 1l). the suction having been cut off leaving the piston balanced between springs 203- and 233. Both switches 2|3 and 223 will, therefore, remain open and current C will pass through wire 2|1 to switch 239, which has been closed by to close circuit 255, /5

cam 253a as the table T vreached its lowermost position. From switch 269 the current passes through wire 213 and switch 21| to relay 212,

closing switch 213 in circuit 214. Circuit 214 passes through lamp 215 which illuminates a sign reading spare. Switch 21|, which is normally closed,-will be openedwhen any of the lamps, representing a pin` standing on the alley,

is lighted, 'as in the case o f pin number 9 cited above. 'I'he current B passing through wire 263 and through lamp number 9 on the score boardv to a relay 21|, which is energized 'and opens switch 21|, thus breaking the -1inci21o which controls Athe current Cleading to lamp 213 on the scoreboard. Lamp 215 will, therefore, remain.'v

unlighted.

lIn case the pcwler fails tc ciear the auey with his `second ball, the circuits would operate as follows: c

When the` pin setter, table descends, the respotters. would contact .the pins left standing and asa result the'switches 2| 3 corresponding to these pins `will be closed and the current would pass through the various circuits,4 as'was described in the case of /the number 9 pin left fstandin and the lamps representing the pins ,left standing will thus be lighted on the 'score board. Thus it will be seen that any results 0b-. tained by the bowler, either nrst or secondfbali.,

f assavcs anism ior designating which pins remain standing after the throwing of any ball of a frame, because this readily acquaints the bowler with the pins still remaining to be knocked down, and the respective positions occupied by each upon the alley bed. Obviously, this is desirable because it assists the bowler in preparing for throw-A ing his next ball and aids in obtaining a higher score. Particularly is this true if the signal spacing is the same as the actual pin spacing on the alley bed, thereby giving the bowler a plan view of the general. arrangement or the pins. When signal lights: are used it is proposed that they be made the same in diameter as the maximum diameter of the pins.

However it is within the contemplation of this invention to acquaint a player also as to which pins have been knocked down by each ball thrown and for that reason, 'if desired, suitable means maybe provided for actuating signals, such as lights, corresponding to the positions of the fallen pins. This can be accomplished by any suitable mechanism. as by'reversing thev circuit connections. For example, all the lights can go on when a strike isimade and circuit-223 is closed. 7 v.

The invention above described may be varied in construction Within thescope of the claims, for the particular device, selected yto illustrate the invention, is but one of many possible concrete embodiments of the same., It is not, therefore. to b e restricted to the precise details oi the structure shown and described.

What is claimedv is:

l. In a bowling pin 'setting machine, the combination with an alley bed,of a device for placing pins lon said bed in playing arrangement, signalling mechanism, and means carried by said device and positioned to engage the tops oi standingl pins to operate said mechanism and register to a and meansconnectedwith said device and member for operating said signals visibly'indicating on said device the pins remaining standing.

l 5. In a bowlingpin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed,

a device for' setting and resetting pins in playing arrangement on-said bed, and selectively operated mechanism carried by said device setting or resetting pins in response to the number of pins felled by a ball, and separate signalling mechanism associated with said device for signaling to a bowler' the result of each ball thrown oversaid bed. l. f

6. Pin counting mechanism for 'use with a bowling pin setting' machine comprising, a member movable to and from an alley, a signalling device, and means carried by said' member andV constructed and arranged tov differentiate between the presence and'absence of pins on said alley 'after the throwing of a ball for selectively regis-v tering on said device to a player the eil'ect of each ball of a frame thrown.

`'1. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed,

mechanism for placing said bowling pins in playingarrangement on said bed comprising, a

traveling pin distributing member for setting and l resetting pins on said bed, said mechanism including a plurality of pin resetting'members operative afterthe throwingl of the first ball to reset pins left standing, electricl circuits', an annunciatorLa plurality of electric control elements player the presence or absence of pins on said anismassociated with said means for informing the player ot the number of pins which remain standing on said bed after each ball thrown,v

3. In a pin setting machine, the combination with an alley bed, of means for setting non-conducting pins on said bed, mechanismcarried bysaid means for, determining the presence or absence of pins on said bed after the throwing of a ball, and an annunciator for advising the player of the result of each hall thrown.

4. Registering mechanism for use with a bowling pin setting machine comprising a signal device, an alley bed, a support for said device located at a position spaced from said alley. bed, a plurality oi signals mounted on said signal device, a member movable to and from said bed for determining the number of-pins standing on said bed after the throwing of each ball over said bed,

associated with each of said resetter members, and means made operative'upon movement of said traveling member and the presence or absence Aoi standing pins after'the throwing of a ball for selectively completing one of said circuits and operating said -annunciator to record the result o'f each ball thrown.

. 8. In a .bowling pini, setting machine, the com- .bination with an alley bed,of a device for setting and resettinggpinson said bed; an annunciator, an electric circuit connecting said resetter device .and said annunciator, means for associating Vsaid resetting device ,wlthsaid circuit, andmeans for making said circuit foroperating said annunciator to designate the results of each ball thrown `over said bed at standing pins.

- 9. In a bowling pin setting machinefor use A with a bowlingalley having a bed for supporting a. plurality of free pins thereon in playing arrangement, signalling mechanism for designating the effect of each ball thrown, including position signals corresponding t'o bowling pin positions and arrangement-on an alley bed, and separate strike and spare signals, signal operating means mounted for movement to and from said alley.' and means operable after a ball. has been .thrown for moving said signal operating means to and from said alley i'or selectively operating said mechanism to indicate visibly whether a bowler has made a strike or a spare," or has knocked down less than ten pins by throwing a ball.

l0. In a bowling pin setting machine, the combination with an alley bed adapted to support a plurality ofv bowling pins, and a device for placing pins on said bed, of an annunciator, a plurality of visible signals carried by said lannunciator,

y including separate strike" and spare signals,

signal energizing mechanism carried by said device, means for moving said device relative. to said bed after the throwing of a ball, and means A operative in response to the movement of said 11. In a bowling pin setting machine,I an alley.

bed constructed and arranged to support a plurality of bowling pins made of lnon-conducting material, a -setter for placing said pins on said alley bed in playing arrangement, mechanism cooperating with said means for determining the number of pins knocked down per'ball thrown, and an annunciator having signal means for registering pin fall, strikes and spares, and devices on said setter coacting with said annunciator for selecting one of said signal means for visibly apprising a bowler of the effect of each ball thrown. s

12. In a bowling pin setting machine, the combination with an alley bed, of means for placing bowling pins on said bed in playing arrangement, said mechanism comprising an elevator, pin handling units mounted on said elevator, means for turning said elevator and raising and lowering the same to set and reset pins on .said

a bed, an annunciator, means associated with each lof said units for determining the presence or absence of standing pins on said bed after the throwing of a ball, and selectively operated devices made operative by the presence or absence of pins on said alley upon movement of said elevator for operating said annunciator to record the eiect of each ball thrown.'

13.. In-a bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting bed constructed and arranged to support a plurality of free pins in playing arrangement thereon, a device for recording the eiect of each ball thrown at said pins, including separate strike, and spare signals, testing mechanism located above said alley, means for moving said mechanism to and fromsaid alley after the throwing of each ball, and means associated with said testing ting and resetting mechanism for setting and resetting pins in playing arrangement on said bed,

an electric signaling member 'associated with each of said resetting mechanisms, an electric circuit for said mechanisms, and selective means operable as a result of each ball thrown and the movement of said device relative to said bed` for making said circuit for signaling the result of said thrown ball.

17. In a bowling pin setting machine 4for use I with a bowlingalley having `a pin supporting bed, a, plurality of non-conducting pins positionedY in playing arrangement onsaidbed, a pin zzo of 4a frame thrown, means for moving'said device setting device movable to and from said bed including, a plurality of resetting members associated therewith, selectively operative detecting elements associated with each of said members for causing said device to set a new vframe of pins if all pins are knocked down by the iirst ball to and from saidy bed to position said elements in operative relationship with said bed to determine the number-of pins knocked down by a' ball, a pinfall signalling device, and means on said setting device operable according to the number of pins felled by each ball andthe movement of said device relative to said bedfor operating said signalling device and indicating to a player the number -of pins standing after each ball thrown. g

18. Bowling pin setting mechanism for use with a bowlingvalley having a pin supporting ment comprising, a member movable to and from f mechanism for selectively operating either said s bed constructed and arranged to support a plurality of non-conducting pins in playing arrangesaid bed, a pin-fall signalling device, and a plurality of detecting elements carried by said mem- "ber and operative upon movement of said `member towards saidalley for operating said signalling device and for signaling to a player the presence or absence of pinson said bed after the throwing4 of each ball.

I9. In a bowling pin setting machine, the combination with an alley bed, of mechanism for setting upon said bed pins' left standing thereon e after the throwing of the rst'ball including, re-

setter devices carried by said mechanism, an electric circuit,.control means associated with each of said resetter device connectedin `said circuit, means for moving said mechanism to engage said resetteri'devices-with standing pins,

associated with each of said devices for deter-` Y mining the presence or absence of standing pins after the throwing of a ball over said bed, a signailing device spaced from said alley, selective means operative according to the number of pins felled by a ball for controlling the operation of said machine, and separate mechanism carried by said -elevator dependent upon the movement of said elevator towards said bed for operating said 'signalling device to inform a player .of the number of pins knocked down by each ball thrown.

15. In a bowling pin setting machine for use resetting upon said bed pins left standing there-` with a bowling alley having a pin supporting bed,

a plurality i of non-conducting bowling pins mounted on said bed, a separate pinfall signalling device, and means movable relative to said bed and into engagement with an upper portion of said pins for operating said device to record the number of pins standing or absence of pins on said bed after the throwing of a'ball.

16..y In a bowling pin setting machine, the combination with an alley bed, or a device having setand separate signaling means operated by said standing pinsy for closing the circuit through each resetter device engaging said pins to close said circuit and indicate visibly the pins remaining standing.

20. In a bowling pin settingA machine, the combination with an alley'bed, of mechanism for on after .the throwing of the first ball including resetter devices fcarried by sa'id mechanism, an electric circuit, signal mechanism associated with said resetter devices for visibly designating the number of pins-lifted for resetting, and control means also associated with said circuit for selectively operating said signal mechanism to designate the removalfof all standing pins fromfsaid alley or the number of pins standing as a result of throwing the second ball.

2l. In a bowling pin setting machine, the combinationA with an' alley bed, of a traveling pin handling device, a plurality of pin handlingunits arranged to correspond 'with the position occupied by the pins standing on said'bed carried by said device, an electric circuit connecting each s Y s oi said units, means for moving said device intov proximity with said bed alter the throwing of a ball, signalling means, and means operable upon the` removal oi' all pins oi a frame on the ilrst ball thrown and movement of said device towards -said bed for closing said circuit and operating said signalling means for visibly'designatingthe results.

22. In a--bowling pin setting machine, the combination with an alley bed, oi a pin handling conveyor comprising, a plurality of spaced elements mounted on said conveyor, electric control devices, and signalling devices associated with each of said elements, a circuit connecting each of said devices, means for closing said circuitiOrv operating said conveyor to set-a newirame of pins if all of the pins standing onsaid bed are knocked down on the throwing of a single ball, means for preventing completion of said circuit if less 'thans full frame of standing pins are knocked down by the ilrst ball, and means for operating said signalling devices to apprise a player of the number of pins knocked down by.

knocked down thereby, means fory maintaining said circuit open by engagement of standing pins with said electric control devices. if pins remain standing after the throwing of the ilrst ball, and selectively operated means controlled by said electric control devices for determining the movement oi said conveyor, and means for operating said signalling'devices 'on each movement of said conveyor towards said bed for indicating to a player the number oi' pins knocked down by each ball thrown.

24. In a bowling pin setting machine, mechanism for setting upon a bowling alley pins which have been left standing thereon after the delivery of a vbowling ball comprising, a plurality of spaced respotting units, mechanism for setting the full number of pins upon said alley, and selective mechanism automatically operable bythe presence or absence of pins on said alley after the throwing oi a'ball to determine which of said first two mechanisms is to be actuated, said last-named mechanism comprising electrically operated control means mounted on said units,

signalling mechanism,- and means carried'b'y said rst-named mechanism operative after the throwing of a ball-1' constructed and arranged to operate said signalling mechanism, to signal to ai player the absence or presence oi' standing vp ns.

25. In a bowling pin setting machine, a bowling pin handling mechanism comprising, a shalt, a frame turnably mounted on said-shaft, bowling pin setter devices mounted on said frame, bowling pin resetters also mounted on said frame and facing in a different direction from said setters. conduits connecting said setter's, and conduits connecting said resetters,v selective means for conducting suction through' said conduits to said' setters and resetters. and electric control means- I associated with each oi said resetters for controlling the operation oi said selective means.`

26. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a bed constructed and arranged to support a frame of pins in playing arrangement thereon, mechanism for recording the eilect of each'ball thrown at said Pins,

said mechanism including separate strike" and spare signals, means movable into the range of standing pins after the throwing oi each ball of a frame to test the eilect of said ball on said pins, selective means operative upon knocking dow'n of all pins by the rst ball for energizing said strike signal, andselective means operative in response to the knocking down of all pins by the second ball for energizing said spare signal. v c

27. In' a bowling pin setting machine /for use with an alley having a bed constructed and arranged to support a plurality of pins in playing arrangement thereon, an annunciator, a set oi signals corresponding in number and position to said pins carried by said annunciator, separate I sets of strike" and spare signals also carried by said annunciator, a device for placing pins eilect of each ball thrown at said pins, comprising an annunciator, pin position signals corresponding in number and positions with pins on \said bed, and separate strike and spare lsignals forming parts of said annunciator, mechanism for placing pins in playing position on said bed, means for moving said mechanism into a positionvproximate said bed to determine the .presence or absence of standing pins, means forl energizing selected position signals upon failure v of. the ilrst lball of a frame to knock down all pinsfl means for energizing only said strike" signal if said ilrst ball iells all pins oi' a frame, and other means for energizing only said spare" signal if all pins are knocked down by said second ball.

29. In` a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a bed adapted to supporta plurality of pins thereon in playing arrangement, a signalling device for registering the eiIect oi balls thrown at said pins, comprising pin position signals corresponding in number and position with pins on said bed, and separate strike" and "sp'are signals, means movable relative to said bed alter the throwing oi a bail to test i'or the presence or absence of standing pins thereon, selective mechanism associated with said means' for energizing selected position signals to registerA the eilect oi' said ball, means for incapacitating said mechanism i! all pins are knocked down by the second ball of a frame, and selective means for operating said spare signal toVV apprise the player of the result obtained.

.30. In a bowling pin setting machine i'or use with a bowling alley having a bed adapted to support la. plurality of pins thereon in playing arrangement, signalling mechanism for registering the eect .of balls thrown at each set oi assspssj nals, a frame mounted above said alley, means operative after the `throwing of a ball tomove said frame into a position adjacent said alley, and selective testing means on said frame for incapacitating said pin positlonsignals and op-l erating said strike signal i! all pins are knocked down by the iirst 4ball thrown.

31. In a bowling pin Vsetting machine for use I with a bowling alley" having a pin supporting bed, a device for `placing pins in playing arrangement on said bed, a travelling support mounting said device for movement to and from port member. means mounting said device for said bed,-electrical testing mechanism carried by said device' for testing for the-presence or absence of-pins on said bed when said device is adjacent said bed, a fixed support cpacting with said travelling support, signalling mechanism, and relatively movable switches associated with means-to said signalling mechanism the effect. of each ball thrown at pins standing on said bed for visible translation by said mechanism.

32. In a bowling -pin setting machine for' use with an alley having a pin supporting bed, sidev supports, a pinv handling device mounted for' `movement in said supports, a plurality of pin handling elements mounted in spaced positions upon said device, electric cables connecting said elements, a stationary switch member mounted on one of said supports, a complementary switch mounted on said device and traveling therewith, and means to raise and lower said device to bring said switches into engagementforcompletionv of circuit through said cables.

33. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having a pin supporting bed, a pin handling elevator provided withy a plurality of pin handling devices movable to and lfrom said bed, means for supporting said elevator for movement, a switch including connections for each of for movementjon'saidsupports, a shaft mounted in said slides, a pin handling device vcarried by said-shaft, a plurality of pin handling members mounted in placed positionsonsaid device, electrical" means connecting each of said-members, a stationary circuit closing element mounted on one'of said supports, a cooperating circuit mak- .ing element on` said shaft traveling therewith, v

and means for moving said -slides on said sup-l 00.

ports to a position proximate said bed for bringsignalling with, a signalling mechanism, and`a complementary stationary switch adaptedto be engaged by said first named switch when said device is lo` cated at pin testing position for completing said circuits lthrough said connections to actuate said annunciator and record visibly the effects of each ball thrown.

. 36. In a bowling pin setting device, a traveling device for placing bowling pins in playing arrangement upon the bed of a bowling alley, supmovement in said members to and from said bed, testing elements carried by said device for determining the presence or absence' of pins stand-- ingA on said alley bed after throwing each ball, mechanism including separate strike and spara and pin position signals.

l electric circuits connecting said signals with said l said supports for transmittinglfro'm said testing testing elements, stationary circuit making elements mounted on one of said supports, complementary circuit making elements carried by said device and connected in the circuits o1' each of said testing elements, and means for moving said device into testing position adjacent said alley bed to bring said circuit making elements into engagement for completing circuits between said signalling mechanism and testing elements, thereby to actuate said signalling means and record visibly the eiiect'oi each ball thrown.

37. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with an alley having apin supporting bed constructed and arranged to support a plurality of pins in playing larrangement thereon, signalling mechanism for recording the eect o'i' each ball thrown at said pins, said mechanism including visible position signals corresponding in diameter to the maximumdianieter of a bowling pin, and

'spaced on said mechanism in the same spaced arrangement as the playing arrangement of pins on said alley, said mechanism also including separate vstrile and spare signals, testing mechanism located above said bed and cooperating with said signalling mechanism i'or determining the presence or absence oi' pins on said alley after the throwing oi' each' ball, means for moving said testing mechanism to and from` said bed, and means coacting with said testing mechanism for operating said ysignalling'mechanism to record visiblythe effect of each ball thrown.

38. In a bowling pin setting machine, an alley bed constructed and arranged to support a plu.

rality of bowling'pins in playing arrangement,

. a pin setter ior placing said pins on said alley bed, signalling mechanism for recording the effect of each ballthrown at said pins including position signals indicating the position each pin occupies upon. said bed, means `cari-led by said pin setter for activating selected signals after the iirst ball is thrown to show the eect of said ball upon said pins, means for 'incapacitating said selected signals prior to the throwing of the next -ing said elements into circuit closing position for completing a circuit through said members.l

35. In abowling pin setting machine, a traveling device for placing bowling pins in playing arrangement upon the bed of -a 4bowling alley, means for moving said device into a position adiacent said bed after" the throwing of a ball to determine the presence or absence of pins standing thereon, testing elements carried by said device for determining the presence vor absence ofv pins standing' pn said alley bed after each ball has been thrown, electric connections associatedA with each o i said elements, a testing mechanism man mmma on ma device mf travel therel" ball at the remaining standing pins. and means operativeafter the throwing oi' next ball for again operating selected pin position signals to indicate visibly the eiiect oi' said ball upon'said pins.

39. bed constructed and arranged to support a piurality oi' .bowling pins in playing arrangement thereon, ay pin setter for placing said pins on said alley bed, signalling mechanism for recording the effect 'oi'. each ball thrown at said pins including position signals indicating the position each"remaining pin occupies upon said bed after a ball has been and separate "strike" l In a bowling pin. setting machine, an alley pacitating said last named means only if all pins are knocked down by the .first ball and for activating said strike" signal, means for incapacitating said pin position signals prior to the throwing of the second ball if .all pins are not.

knocked over by said first ball, and selective means for operating selected pin position signals, or said spare signal, if pins remain standingvon said bed or are all knocked down, respectively, by said second ball. V

40. Pin handling mechanism for a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a bed adapted to support a plurality of pins in playing arrangement thereon, comprising a pin handling device constructed and arranged to turn and move to and from said alley bed, pin setting and resetting units mounted upon said elevator, electric circuits associated with. said resetting units, switch means connecting said circuits and mounted on said device for travel therewith, a movable supportfor said elevator and coacting switch means mounted on said support for engagement by said first lnamed switch means when said device occupies a'position adjacent said bed.

41. In a bowling pin setting machine for usel with a bowling alley having pin supporting bed, a device for placing pins in playing arrangement on said bed, a fixed support, a traveling support mounting said device for turning, and raising and lowering movement'relatlveL to said Ifixed support between an upper and a lower limit adjacent said bed, and relativelyv movable switches associated with said l supports for operative .engagement when said device is at its lower limit.

v42. In a bowling pin setting machine, mechanism for resetting upon a bowling alley the pins which have been left standing thereon 'after the delivery of a bowling ball, mechanism for setting a. new frame of pins uponsaid alley, selective means automatically operable by the Apresence or absence of pins on said alley after the throwing of a ball for determining which of said mechanisms is to be actuated, signalling means', and

means also carried by said first-named mechanism constructedand arranged to be engaged by standing pins for operating saidsignalling means for visibly signalling to a player the number of pins knocked down by-each ball thrown. l

43. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a. bowling alley having a bed constructed asssnas and arranged to support a frame of pins in playing arrangementthereon, mechanism for krecording the effect, of each ball thrown at said pins, said mechanism includingseparate strike" and spare signals, means located above said alley and operative after tl'ie throwing of each ball of a frame to test the effect of said, ball on said pins, selective means operative upon knocking down ofall pins by the first ball for'energizing said"strike signal, and selective means in response to the knocking down of all pins by the 1 second ball for energizing said spare signal.

44. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a bed constructed and arranged to support a frame of pins in playing arrangement thereon, mechanism for recording the effect of each ballA thrown at said pins. said mechanism including, separate strike and spare signals, means located above said alley and operative after the throwing of each ball of a frame to test the effect of said ball on said pins. selective means operative upon knocking down ofa all pins by the -rst ball` for energizing said strike. signal, selective means in response to theknocking downl of al1 pins by the second ball for energizing said fspare signal, and other means operative .to indicate the effect when pins remain standing after the throwing of the last ball.

45. In a bowling pin setting machine for use with a bowling alley having a bed adapted to support a plurality of pins in playing arrangement thereon, a signalling device for registering the effect of each ball thrown at said pins com prising. an annunciator, pin position signals corresponding in number and positions with pins on said bed, and separate strike and spare" signals forming parts of'said annunciator, mechanism for placing pins in playing position on said b'ed,.means operable above said bed for determining the presence or absence of standing pins after'the throwing of a ball, means for energizing selected position signals upon failure of the first ball of a frame'to knock down all pins, means 4for energizing only s'aid strike signal if said first ball felis all pins of a frame, other selectively operated means for energizing only said spare'f signal if all pins are knocked down by said second ball, and means for energizing selected position signals to indicate the presence or absence of pins standing on said alley as the result of throwing said last ball.

v MOREHEAD PATTERSON.

RUPERT E. RUNDELL. 

